Core Competencies
Broadcast Australia strives to be a service provider of excellence. Through investment in collaborative and sustainable relationships, we aim to deliver innovative solutions to our customers who increasingly require communications and media services.
Our approach and expanding expertise positions us as a reliable choice when connecting customers with their communities.
With over 75 years experience, Broadcast Australia excels in the following key areas:-
Industry Research and Development;
Consultancy;
Planning and Network Design;
Engineering Design and Project Management;
Systems Integration;
Site Development and Installation; and
Operations and Network Management.
Industry Research and Development
Broadcast Australia’s innovative approach has made a major contribution to industry development through trials of emerging technology platforms - mobile TV, interactive datacasting and digital radio. Broadcast Australia has also conducted original research into long distance Single Frequency Networks (SFNs) in conjunction with the introduction of digital television into Australia and emerging technology platforms. The benefits of this research are applied to benefit our customers in the delivery of their services.
Broadcast Australia has operated a series of mobile TV trials using the DVB-H platform. Testing of a variety of systems and handsets has enabled in-depth planning, design and operation experience to be gained. The live trials have made it possible for service and content providers to investigate consumer reactions to new services and different software and hardware options.
Infocasting is a cost effective means of distributing information-based content via digital TV technology, enabling government and businesses to communicate directly to the public. The Broadcast Australia Infocasting trial delivers a six streams of digital content to free-to-air viewers in Sydney.
In preparation for the commencement of digital radio in Australia (2009), Broadcast Australia has undertaken trials and conducted extensive research and development in digital technology, utilising Eureka 147 and DRM technology.
Broadcast Australia also continues to develop new business in the fixed and wireless telecommunications sector.
Consultancy
Broadcast Australia is experienced in providing a variety of technical and business consultancy services to its clients that incorporate all parts of the transmission and delivery chain. Expertise is provided for both Australian and International customers.
Technical consultancy includes service, frequency and channel planning, field testing and trials as well as system design and alternative solutions for difficult areas. Systems integration expertise is also available.
Business consultancy includes single frequency networks (SFN) design and business modelling.
Planning and Network Design
Broadcast Australia readily delivers all aspects of service development ranging from spectrum availability assessment and interference analysis through to coverage predictions. Substantial experience has been gained in optimising transmission network design for wide area coverage and the use of adjacent channel transmissions. Experience in advanced planning and design underpins the reliability of the network offered and the optimisation of operations. This may include Multiple Frequency Networks (MFN) or Single Frequency Networks (SFN.)
Examples of expertise include:
- Malaysia - Radio Frequency Planning for a Mobile TV trial in Kuala Lumpur using DVB-H technology;
- Dubai - FM radio and DVB-H coverage studies under a range of scenarios;
- Australia - Development of alternative technical solutions for black spot reception areas for analogue television;
- Frequency search for an MF channel for a commercial broadcaster in Canberra;
- Field strength reference point measurements;
- Propagation testing to assess interference impacts; and
- FM frequency planning in SE Australia (18 locations) for ACMA.
Engineering Design and Project Management
As an end-to-end provider, Broadcast Australia can manage every step of a project’s design and implementation. Services include system design, equipment specification, project management, systems integration and commissioning. Broadcast Australia’s integrated team of engineers and project managers specialise in the design, construction and operation of multiple service sites. Broadcast Australia currently operates over 2,200 services from 580 sites around Australia. This number continues to increase ,with the continuing rollout of digital services. To date Broadcast Australia has planned, designed and rolled out more than 330 digital television services.
Systems Integration
Integrating complex networks and systems to provide seamless end-to-end delivery frees up customer resources and allows them to focus on their core business. Broadcast Australia’s comprehensive experience in developing and applying new multimedia technologies enables us to implement the project to suit our customers’ specific requirements. When Broadcast Australia owns and operates infrastructure on behalf of a customer, we take responsibility for the design, implementation, performance and capital replacement risk, thereby enabling the broadcaster to focus on the core task of producing and/or acquiring content.
Site Development and Installation
Through subsidiary company, The Bridge Networks, Broadcast Australia installs integrated RF systems, commissions new transmission facilities and manages the rollout of more than 330 digital TV services throughout Australia.
With a broad team of highly qualified and skilled engineers, installation technicians, riggers and product specialists, The Bridge Networks has quickly grown to establish itself as a leading service and product supplier to the Broadcast and Telecommunications Industries within Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Island region.
The Bridge Networks has established an impressive track record as the primary supply and installation contractor for the establishment of new digital television and analogue television and radio services for Australia’s leading broadcasters.
Operations and Network Management
The central point of network management is Broadcast Australia’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) which provides real-time monitoring of individual sites and associated services for both analogue and digital broadcasting.
Managing over 2,200 services from over 580 sites around the nation requires a sophisticated approach to ensure network longevity, service reliability and optimal operational performance for our customers. This world class facility monitors Broadcast Australia’s national network using sophisticated IT systems that provide full service control and fault management. The remote capability of the NOC enables the supervision of networks located anywhere in the world. In times of disaster, these services are relied upon to provide the public with essential information. The NOC also provides significant on-line status information and operational data by means of a web portal to our customer base.